Marker



June 18, 1935. E, G, BRUMUND 2,005,217

MARKER Filed Dec. 26, 1931 Patented June 18, 1935 PATENT [OFFICE MARKER Elmer G. Brumund, Chicago, Ill., assgnor to Brumund Bros. & Hufker Foundry, lncorporated, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application December 26, 1931, Serial No. `583,29 1 Claim. (Cl. 'l0-124.5).

The present invention relates in general to markers.

One of the objects of this invention-is to provide markers having an ornamental surface and 5 at the same time embodying a construction having a maximum degree of weather resisting properties. l

This invention also has for its object the formation of a marker comprising a shell or covering of cast metal adapted to rmly unite with a core or ller independent of the normal enclosing capacity of the shell. y

It is a further object to provide a marker comprising a single metal casting forming a shell adapted to embrace a core or` ller of relatively inexpensive material.

It is another object of this invention to provide an article of this ycharacter wherein the indicia may be cast integrally with the indicia bearing surface thereof.

A further object resides in theprovision of a marker comprising a single metal casting whereby its manufacture is rendered simple and inexpensive.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of a marker free of seams, joints or crypts in order to protect the surface thereof from deposits of snow and rain as well as dirt.

y Itis another object of thisl invention to pro- 30 vide a metallic shell having its walls so. arranged as to aid in the production of a clean casting under normal foundry conditions.

Another object is to provide a marker of a cheap and durable construction.

together with the foregoing, will be described in the detailed specification that is to follow taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and forming a part thereof.

As is well known, markers, memorials and the like are subject to constant exposure to the elements and frequently deteriorate under rthese effects to an extent which renders themunpresentable and unt for further use. This is 45 particularly true of the commonly used cut stone marker.

Under the usual treatment of stone markers the indicia is produced by forming depressions of the desired outlinel in the 'surface thereof.

50 These cut but portions form traps for dirt and water which tends to hasten the disintegration of the stone and thereby reduces the life of the marker.

It is obvious that the provision of a stone marker is relatively expensive in that it is not There are other objects ofy my invention which,

only necessary to obtain a. stone specially .prepared for the purpose but requires the employment of a skilled stone-cutter for applying the proper indicia on the marker. Owing to the bulk and weight of a stone marker, the handling and 5 installation of an article of this character involves special facilities and additional expense.

The present invention contemplates a marker having an exposed surface simulating a body of out stone and embodying a construction which 10 not only prolongs the life Iof the lmarker but contains features which overcome the disadvantages heretofore pointed out in the provision of markers of natural cut stone.

The foregoing is accomplished by providing a 16 cast metal shell of suitable dimensions.

In casting-the shell, the indicia and indicia bearing portion, as well as irregularities in the outer surface thereof to simulate the contour of chopped or -cut stone may be formed integrally 20 therewith and in a simultaneous operation.

The hollow space defined by the interior surface of the 'shell is adapted to receive a filler of rela tively inexpensive material, such as concrete and the like.

The thickness of the side Walls is generally uniform throughout whereby irregularities are formed on the interior surface of the side walls corresponding to the outer surface thereof. These irregularities cooperate with the core or f filler to create a rm union therebetween.

`Referring now to the drawing:

Fig. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a marker forming the subject of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same article, 35 with a portion thereof in vertical section taken on lines 2-2 of Fig. 1.

3 is a vertical cross section of this device taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

.Reference being had more particularly to the 40 drawing, I0 designates a cast metal shell designed in any suitable shape. While applicant has adopted a shell of substantially rectangular cross section, it is to be understood that the size and shape thereof may be varied through a wide range, such 4as a. cylindrical shape. Owing to its high resistance to damage by oxidation or otherwise', a metal having copper as its chief element is preferably employed in' the production ofthis shell. The shell I Il comprises a top portion I I having suitable indicia I2 .in raised relation thereto formed `in tegrally therewith and vertical walls I3. The sur- A face of the top portion II surrounding the indicia I2 is preferably smooth, or relatively so, in 'order to more cieariy distinguish the indien,l i2 5 from its background. As shown in Fig. 3, the Vvertical wall I3 forming a continuation of the top II at its rearward edge is wider than the vertical wall opposed thereto. Hence, the top portion II is also slightly inclined in order to lie in a plane which will most advantageously present the indicia to the eye of the observer. This arrangement is also benecial in that it directs therefrom the water otherwise deposited thereon by rain or snow and accordingly preserves the finish and contour of the indicia bearing surface of the marker. The vertical walls I3 of the shell I0 are so cast as to have irregularities which in the present instance resemble stone, in the outer or exposed surface thereof. This irregularity may vary according to the particular type and character of ornamental design which it is desired to imitate. It will be noted from the drawing that these vertical walls I3 are outwardly inclined with respect to the area defined by the top portion' II. This 'construction affords increased support to the marker in that it prevents easy tipping of the marker due to wind or other forces. In addition to this, the position of the vertical walls I3, in the manner hereinabove set forth, is an aid to the usual foundry practice in the production of a clean and uniformly shaped casting. Uniform thickness of the side walls of the shell results in the production of an irregular surface on the interior face of said walls corresponding to the outer surface thereof. The jointure zone between the indicia bearing surface and the side walls may be treated so as to provide a bevelled edge, if desired, as shown in the drawing.

In this manner, the shell I0 is formed and ready for installation. Owing to this hollow lconstruction, a marker is provided which is relatively light and easy to handle. The construction employed affords an article which is not easily broken and capable of resisting rough usage. Hence, it is unnecessary to provide special facilities such as skilled labor and expensive equip-,- ment rin the transportation of the marker from place to place. For the same reason the cost of installation is reduced.

The cavity dened by the interior surface of the shell may be lled with concrete, or other,

suitable material I4 adapted to obtain intimate contact with the surface of the shell. 'I'his ller not only serves to reinforce the shell I0 so as to preserve the contour thereof, but owing to the weight which the ller adds, it also provides means for anchoring the marker.

Although the arrangement of the vertical walls I3 in outwardly inclined planes would normally permit easy removal of the core from the shell, it will be manifest that the irregularities in the inner surface of the shell will become intimately united and rmly interlocked with the ller.-

From the foregoing, it is apparent that a marker is created, formed by combining a metallic shell having an exposed surface of irregular contour, which may simulate stone, or any otherv ornamental design together with a relatively smooth indicia bearing surface, and a core or ging oLinexpensive material cooperatingthere- To add to its ornamental quality, the exposed surface of the marker, or any portion thereof may be nished in suitakie colors in a variety of ways.

Where a marker is produced of metal containing copper as its chief element, the surface of the marker can be chemically treated to form a coating of verdigris color. This coating not only adds a pleasing nish to the marker but gives it the appearance of an aged', and thoroughly weathered article. Furthermore, it serves to protect thel surface of the marker from damage by the elements. Although conditions may arise which would render this coating ineffective to completely protect the marker from weathering, it is manifest that the formation of verdigris will maintain the color so that its appearance will remain unchanged.

By grinding or otherwise treating the surface of the indicia on'the top portion of the marker so as to obtain a polished finish, the ornamental effect may be further improved.

Since the marker forming the subject of this invention embodies a structure of substantial weight, special features for anchoring the same in the ground may be omitted. However, if desired, the side walls may be provided with extensions or projections adapted to be inserted in the ground forsupporting the marker in xed position. In this instance the filler might be omitted.

Although the preferred embodiment of my invention contemplates a marker of a one-piece cast metal construction having indicia formed integrally therewith, it is obvious that this construction may be varied in many particulars.

Instead of a cast metal construction, the marker forming the subject of this invention may be produced from sheet metal and stamped, pressed or otherwise treated to provide an ornamental surface and suitable indicia integrally therewith or separate therefrom 'as hereinafter set forth. In fact metal of substantial thickness may be used in this connection.

If desired, the indicia bearing surface of the marker may be produced in a panel separate and independent of the other parts thereof. It is obvious that the indicia bearing surface so formed may be readily connected to the side walls of the marker by means of welding or soldering or the use of bolts, screws or attaching devices.

It will also be manifest that the side walls may be formed separately and independent one of the other. The side walls can be joined to form a unitary structure in any suitable manner.

Although the indicia may becast integrally with `the indicia bearing portion of the marker as hereinbefore set forth, it may frequently be desirable to form the indicia bearing portion separately from the indicia itself. For example in preparing the marker in large lots or quantities, the indicia bearing portion, whether in the form of a panel independent and separate from the side walls, or an integral part of the slide walls, can be furnished )with a blank surface, and the indicia applied thereto either separately or in a unitary assembly, by means of casting, welding, soldering, or any other suitable attachment devices. This may be accomplished without any change in the construction of the rest of the marker.

Accordingly the .provision ofa marker embodying a construction which may be varied in many details, lends itself to the scheme of preparing markers in quantities at a greatly reduced cost.

This arrangement of a marker is particularly appropriate under present cemetery conditions in certain localities where it is desired to obtain a uniformity in size and dimension of markers throughout a designated area. In fact, in some instances, it has been a requirement in the installation of markers that a strict uniformity in the size and dimension of the marker be obv served.

In addition to the foregoing advantages the present invention provides a structure which serves as a mold for the ller associated therewith. This structure also affords a covering or shelter completely embracing the v'normally exposed parts of the filler so as to furnish maximum protection from damage by weather.

It is also obvious that my improved marker contemplates the use of a filler which is not only inexpensive, but adapted to be manipulated and installed Without the use of skilled labor and expensive equipment.

My improved marker therefore provides a new and useful article of the character described in that it embodies all the ornamental qualities of a cut stone marker, or of any desired'material or object and at the same time affords a device of longer life, simpler construction and reduced extures may be made therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, as indicated in the appended claim:

I claim:

Al tombstone including a hollow-shell integrally formed of cast metal and including an indicia bearing upper surface and four downwardly extending divergent side walls, irregular surfaces upon the exterior faces of each of these side walls simulating rough cut stone, irregulari--s ties on the interior surfaces of these side walls corresponding to the irregularities on the outer surfaces in a manner effective to maintain amniform wall thickness; a ller positioned below and within the hollow shell and having four side surfaces convergently extending upward from the plane of the base, and irregularities in these surfaces corresponding with the irregularities on the interior surfaces of the hollow shell in a manner effective to prevent the removal of the hollow metal shell from the filler, exclusive of any adhesion therebetween.

EL'MER G. BRUMUND. 

